If you totally winged your vacation to Mendoza like me, and you went to Mendoza mainly for the vineyards, the Vitivinicola Bus is perfect for you. For $800-1200 ARS depending on the day of the week and whether you opt for a full day or half day, this bus picks up and drops off at all the major hotels in downtown Mendoza. And for 3 days in a row, it was right on schedule. That said, it leaves pretty early so I recommend looking at the map and seeing what's within walking distance so you can sleep in a little later. For example, the bus may pick up at your hotel at 8:15, but it will stop at another hotel that's only a few blocks away at 8:45. How is that possible, you may ask? Well, there are 20 pick up and drop off locations, but the general area where the bus picks up and drops off within downtown is pretty small.
The bus itself is pretty comfortable, but can get hot if the AC isn't working, as was the case on my third and final day. It didn't help that the bus was progressively getting busier as the week went on. Tuesday was dead. Wednesday the bus was about half full. Thursday about 3/4 full. Some of the more recognized vineyards are weekend stops, but I'm glad I was here during the week to beat the rush.
Hugo, the guide, was excellent. Very patient and he customizes your experience for you. One day includes 5-6 vineyards but you tell him which 4-5 you want to go to based on your preference. For example, I'm more of a fan of reds than the bubbly, so I skipped Chandon.
If you do the whole day, be prepared to be gone a whole day. As in leaving around 8 in the morning and not getting back until 7 at night. People tend to drag ass from vineyard to vineyard and the more people there are the more you get delayed. It's exhausting, but overall, this bus is a far safer option than driving on your own and far cheaper than hiring a private driver. Also, and most importantly, by virtue of being a passenger on the bus, you get admission to the vineyards. Otherwise, most vineyards require appointments if you want a private tour and tasting.
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